Dell Inspiron Mini 9: Not The Netbook For Me

[Jason Dunn]

<p>This is my review video of the <a href="http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-9?c=us&amp;cs=19&amp;l=en&amp;s=dhs" target="_blank">Dell Inspiron Mini 9</a>, Dell's first step into the world of low-cost netbooks. The Mini 9 that I ordered has Windows XP, a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU, 16 GB solid-state flash storage, 1 GB of RAM, a 4 cell battery, and an 8.9 inch at 1024 x 600 resolution. The Linux-based versions start at $349 USD, and the XP-based versions start at $399. If you get the XP-based version with every option, it's about $480 USD.</p><p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="600" height="360" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7NmXLUC754I&amp;fmt=18" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7NmXLUC754I&amp;fmt=18"></embed></object></p><p>There's a lot to like about the Dell netbook, but it's not without significant shortcomings from my perspective. On the plus side, the build quality is top-notch. In fact, I'd venture to say that it's the best-built Dell notebook I've ever had my hands on. It feel very solid and durable, with a fit and finish that's light years above other netbooks. Considering how cheap most other netbooks look, you might think that's not saying much, but holding the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 in your hands just feels...good. The keyboard is a bit on the small side, but that's not unusual for a netbook with an 8.9 inch screen. <MORE /></p><p>That's about the best thing I can say about the Dell Inspiron Mini 9, because the rest of the problems are quite glaring in my eyes. I go into detail in the video about the problems, but in short, the screen is extremely glossy but lacks the intense contrast such screens usually provide, and Dell's insistance on going with SSD (solid state storage) drives limits this netbook tremendously. If you don't need to store much on your netbook, and are going to use it like an Internet terminal, this won't be an issue. But if you're like me, and want to use <a href="http://www.foldershare.com" target="_blank">FolderShare</a> to keep a copy of all your documents and photos with you, suddenly having 10 GB of available storage space is a problem. There are also several curious software glitches - Dell loaded Bluetooth software and Webcam software on the unit I ordered, which lacked Bluetooth and a Webcam. The unit also changes resolution after booting, making for an awkward first 30 seconds of use. The fact that there's so much software starting at boot, including an anti-virus scanner, makes what should be a zippy notebook feel sluggish.</p><p>Other than the screen, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is an impressive piece of hardware - it's just a shame Dell didn't put similar effort into the software image they created. Software can be changed though, so if you're willing to uninstall the things you don't want, and if Dell can release a fix for the resolution changing issue, this might be just the netbook you're looking for. Be sure to compare it to the MSI Wind though, which is the only netbook I've kept so far - I find that the MSI Wind offers a lot of value for the dollar, and I prefer the bigger (10 inch), matte screen. Looking for a video review of my MSI Wind coming in the future.</p><p>If you have a YouTube account, please <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NmXLUC754I" target="_blank">rate the video</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ThoughtsMedia" target="_blank">subscribe to our channel</a>. Thanks for your support!</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys <a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a>, mobile devices, <a href="http://www.jasondunn.com" target="_blank">blogging</a>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog.</em></p>

[djdj]

None of the netbooks out there have very good screens on them. In order to keep the prices down low constrast/viewing angle LCDs are kind of a must in this segment.

My biggest complaint with the Inspiron Mini 9 is the cramped keyboard. I know all 9" netbooks have this issue, but combined with the awkward placement of some of the keys (the quotation key in particular), this thing is hard to type on. It could never be my primary mobile machine because of that.

I'm not a big fan of the resolution switch, but it doesn't prevent the machine from being used during that 30 seconds, and after it switches it isn't an issue any longer. The machine is stable so you don't have to reboot very often, though, so this isn't something you have to experience frequently. Not really a big deal, IMHO. The only time I reboot mine is for Windows updates or after installing new software.

For me the storage isn't a big deal. These things are designed for browsing the web and reading email, neither of which require local access to my files. When I'm home I have access to my files over the network. Or if I'm away from home I can download anything via FolderShare's web site or over a VPN connection. The SSD is very slow to perform disk writes, though, which makes installing and updating software painfully slow. Fortunately reads are fast, so it boots and loads software pretty quickly.

[Darius Wey]

The unit also changes resolution after booting, making for an awkward first 30 seconds of use.

There's a fix for said issue here (http://mydellmini.com/forum/xp-resolution-fix-hereǃǃ-t759.html). Still, it would be nice to have a fix directly from Dell.

Time to watch the review. :)

[David Tucker]

Funny that one of your complaints is something I got the Mini 9 for...the SSD. I think 16 GB with the ability to expand storage by at least 16 GB with SD.

I also think its worth mentioning that AVG (which I use because its free) won't really save you much in resources. But I haven't found the netbook to be unresponsive with either anti-virus installed.

The netbooks really do almost come down entirely to personal preference though since they all have the same specs for the most part. For me the Dell name and the high quality of the Mini 9 was enough to sell me on it.

For me the main thing I wanted was as light as possible and the Dell made that mark. Even though the keyboard is a bit oddly laid out, I've actually gotten used to it and can easily touch type on it at nearly the same speed as my desktop.

Can't go wrong with the MSI, Asus or Dell IMO.

[jeffd]

your inline video is to your unboxing video..not your review. ^^

[Darius Wey]

your inline video is to your unboxing video..not your review. ^^

Good catch. I've updated it.

[Jason Dunn]

Funny that one of your complaints is something I got the Mini 9 for...the SSD. I think 16 GB with the ability to expand storage by at least 16 GB with SD.

If there was a secondary SD card that, when you added an SD card, it added it to the main storage pool...maybe. But for me, 10 GB of storage just isn't enough, and saying that you can have 16 GB more storage via SD doesn't really count if you need that storage to be a part of the regular file system for access via FolderShare for instance.

I think SSD drives are the future for devices like this, but the capacity vs. cost ratio just isn't there yet. By the end of 2009/early 2010, I think we'll see 32 GB and 64 GB being more standard, and that's where SSD starts to get interesting to me.

But I'm glad you're enjoying yours. :)

[David Tucker]

I think SSD drives are the future for devices like this, but the capacity vs. cost ratio just isn't there yet. By the end of 2009/early 2010, I think we'll see 32 GB and 64 GB being more standard, and that's where SSD starts to get interesting to me.

But I'm glad you're enjoying yours. :)

Someone's gotta be first. :D But despite some sites out there complaining how similar all these netbooks are...I think its proof how much variation even the little things provide to this segment. Two nearly identical netbooks and one of them appeals to one of us and not the other.

And while we'd both be satisfied I think if we HAD to use the other one...we'd both miss out on our most important features. I think this market has a lot of potential...only scratched the surface so far.

[Macguy59]

Thanks for the hands on Jason. Any plans to review the HP Mini 1000 (w/10.2" screen) ?

[Jason Dunn]

your inline video is to your unboxing video..not your review. ^^

I've swapped out the code again from what Darius had to a new video that is now hosted on MotionBox. I think it looks about 500% better than what YouTube was offering, but let me know what you think. :D

[Jason Dunn]

Thanks for the hands on Jason. Any plans to review the HP Mini 1000 (w/10.2" screen) ?

Sure, if HP will send one my way. ;) I've requested one, but so far nothing. :(

[David Tucker]

I've swapped out the code again from what Darius had to a new video that is now hosted on MotionBox. I think it looks about 500% better than what YouTube was offering, but let me know what you think. :D

Oh wow, night and day difference

[Darius Wey]

I think SSD drives are the future for devices like this, but the capacity vs. cost ratio just isn't there yet. By the end of 2009/early 2010, I think we'll see 32 GB and 64 GB being more standard, and that's where SSD starts to get interesting to me.

Dell's offering a 32GB version of the Mini 9 in Japan for an extra ¥5000 (~ US$50), which is a lot less than I was expecting. I think 32GB may be standard, even by mid next year.

[David Tucker]

Figures! I wonder how hard it would be to upgrade :p

[Darius Wey]

Figures! I wonder how hard it would be to upgrade :p

SSD upgrades? Pretty simple, actually. It's one of the beauties of the Mini 9.

So I picked up a Mini 9 today, and wow, you weren't kidding, Jason: it really does load a lot of crap during start-up. I think it's time for a wipe. :)

[Jason Dunn]

...you weren't kidding, Jason: it really does load a lot of crap during start-up. I think it's time for a wipe. :)

Yeah. Dell did a HORRIBLE job with the software image on this unit - I wonder if they grasp how crappy of an experience their poor decisions make for an out of box experience for a customer? :rolleyes:

[David Tucker]

Yeah there's a lot that needs to be changed. I want a better antivirus still. AVG is pretty heavy for a netbook. I don't know what a better one would be though.

[Jason Dunn]

Yeah there's a lot that needs to be changed. I want a better antivirus still. AVG is pretty heavy for a netbook. I don't know what a better one would be though.

Believe it or not, apparently the new Norton 2009 version is ultra-light on resources.

Or just be like me and don't run anti-virus software. :D

[David Tucker]

There's a thin line between bravery and insanity. :p

Norton 2009 huh? I'll give it a look...I never thought I'd hear light on resources and Norton in one sentence!

[David Tucker]

Jason, I thought I'd throw some updates to what was written when you did this because several of your issues have been corrected. I'd say the most glaring ones actually.

<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" width="600" height="338"></object><more></more>That's about the best thing I can say about the Dell Inspiron Mini 9, because the rest of the problems are quite glaring in my eyes. I go into detail in the video about the problems, but in short, the screen is extremely glossy but lacks the intense contrast such screens usually provide...

Actually, this isn't something that's been corrected but its of course mostly personal taste. I happen to really like the glossy screen better. There are a few times that I've felt it was annoying but I've also never thought matte screens looked very good in direct sunlight either. (Or easy to read...) It is interesting to note that very recently the Dell Mini 9 screen rated quite highly with a review done by a photographer (http://thegadgetsite.blogspot.com/2009/01/dell-mini-9-better-screen-than-macbook.html) looking for a laptop that accurately reproduced colors. Higher than the Macbook Pro. The viewing angles leave a little to be desired but I am surprised you disliked the screen so much...I've always been impressed with how bright and vivid it is.

Dell's insistance on going with SSD (solid state storage) drives limits this netbook tremendously. If you don't need to store much on your netbook, and are going to use it like an Internet terminal, this won't be an issue. But if you're like me, and want to use FolderShare (http://www.foldershare.com) to keep a copy of all your documents and photos with you, suddenly having 10 GB of available storage space is a problem.

These are, of course, more serious issues. I have the 16 GB SSD and its the bare minimum of what is usuable for me and how I use it. If the 32 or 64 had been available when I bought it...I'd have purchased those. I may look into upgrading actually on my own once Win7 goes on the market. But the good news is that much bigger options are now available.

The unit also changes resolution after booting, making for an awkward first 30 seconds of use.

As for the annoying screen resolution glitch on startup, that's now fixed as of this month's BIOS update. A04 fixes that issue and as I installed it last night I'm happy to report it is, in fact, fixed. I didn't think that was a showstopper...the screen resolution just fixes itself after a moment during start up. But its gone!

[Jason Dunn]

As for the annoying screen resolution glitch on startup, that's now fixed as of this month's BIOS update. A04 fixes that issue and as I installed it last night I'm happy to report it is, in fact, fixed. I didn't think that was a showstopper...the screen resolution just fixes itself after a moment during start up. But its gone!

Good to hear they fixed it. It wasn't a show-stopper, but it was irritating. And here's the important part: with virtually all netbooks on the market today using the same basic hardware (Atom CPU, 1 GB RAM, etc.) the little differences in terms of how well the OEM puts the pieces together really do matter. Why would I put up with a flaky netbook from Dell if I can get the identical hardware from HP for the same price? Details matter.